FIFA World Cup 2018: Germany v/s Mexico XIs- Mesut Ozil starts, Marco Reus on bench

Mesut Ozil will start Germany's World Cup Group F opener against Mexico on Sunday, after coach Joachim Loew opted for the experienced midfielder instead of speedy Marco Reus.

Ozil, who days ago recovered from injury and had to deal with a barrage of criticism in Germany over a controversial photo with Turkey president Tayyip Erdogan, will partner Julian

Draxler and Thomas Mueller in the world champions' attacking midfield.

Loew also made one change to his defence, replacing left back Jonas Hector with Marvin Plattenhardt.

Mexico's all-time top scorer Javier Hernandez earned a spot in coach Juan Carlos Osorio's line-up as they look for their first tournament win over Germany. 

CONFIRMED // #GERMEX

Here are the official line-ups for today's next match.

What are your thoughts on the selections? pic.twitter.com/JD3G4HajAQ

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 17, 2018

Mexico lost their last international friendly against Denmark (2-0), it beat Iceland 3-0, lost against Croatia 1-0, and tied 0-0 against Wales. 

Germany had tied in March against Spain (1-1), lost against Brazil (0-1), as well as against Austria (2-1), and then tied against Saudi Arabia, a team that was crushed by Russia 5-0 in the World Cup opening match.

Germany, the only national team to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia after winning every one of its qualifying matches, beat Argentina 1-0 in 2014 at the Maracana stadium. It was their forth World Cup title after having won in 1954 (Switzerland), 1974 (Germany), and 1990 (Italy).

Joachim Loew's team is now seeking to match Brazil's record of five World Cup titles.